Connection node providing supplemental bandwidth for mobile units

ABSTRACT

A connection node provides a high bandwidth connection on demand to mobile units that are in need of increased bandwidth for data transfers. In this manner, the connection node can supplement the bandwidth available to a mobile unit so that large volumes of data can be communicated to and from the mobile unit. A movable antenna automatically focuses its reception area on the mobile unit&#39;s location, after which, a high bandwidth connection can be established for high-speed data transfer. The high bandwidth connection is maintained, such as by tracking the mobile unit with the antenna, even if the mobile unit is moving.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/883,754, titled Automated Camera Response in a SurveillanceArchitecture, filed Sep. 16, 2010, which is a continuation-in-part ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/154,477, filed May 23, 2008 andwhich claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/243,311, filed Sep. 17, 2009.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to data transmission systems, and particularly toa connection system providing supplemental bandwidth for mobile units ondemand.

2. Related Art

In today's connected world, data connections are available at a varietyof locations. For instance, many establishments provide WiFi accessthrough which a connection to the Internet or other networks can bemade. In addition, cellular data providers offer wireless dataconnections within their coverage areas.

In both cases, bandwidth is limited to the capabilities of the accessprovider. In addition, in the case of a fixed data access point, amobile unit can easily move beyond the range of a fixed data accesspoint. Also, cellular data access is known to have areas that haveunreliable or no signal availability. These issues are especiallyproblematic in emergency situations where the health or safety ofindividuals is at risk.

From the discussion that follows, it will become apparent that thepresent invention addresses the deficiencies associated with the priorart while providing numerous additional advantages and benefits notcontemplated or possible with prior art constructions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A connection node for providing high bandwidth connections to one ormore mobile units is disclosed herein. The connection node isadvantageous in that it provides an on demand connection to a mobileunit upon request. This high bandwidth connection can be used tosupplement existing data transfer capabilities, such as to transferlarge volumes of data from a mobile unit to another location. As will bedescribed further herein, the connection node may target individualmobile units with its antenna when providing a high bandwidthconnection.

A connection node may have various configurations. In one embodiment forexample, a connection node may comprise a communication deviceconfigured to receive one or more requests for a high bandwidthconnection. The requests may include location information identifying alocation of a mobile unit.

The connection node may also include a transceiver configured to providethe high bandwidth connection to the mobile unit wirelessly, an antennacoupled to the transceiver having a receiving pattern, a motorized mountconfigured to move the antenna, and a processor configured to controlthe motorized mount to move the antenna such that the receiving patternis directed towards the location of the mobile unit. The transceiver mayestablish the high bandwidth connection with the mobile unit once thereceiving pattern is directed toward the location of the mobile unit.

It is noted that the requests may include authentication informationand, in such situations, the high bandwidth connection may be providedonly upon receipt of valid authentication information. In addition, thecommunication device may be further configured to receive locationupdates identifying one or more new locations of the mobile unit. Theprocessor may then control the motorized mount such that the receivingpattern is directed towards the new locations of the mobile unit.

It is contemplated that the communication device may be a wirelesscommunication device communicates via a cellular or satellite network.It is also contemplated that the antenna may be a directional antenna.

Various systems for providing high bandwidth connections are disclosedherein as well. In one embodiment for example, such a system maycomprise a management device configured to track a location of one ormore mobile units and to receive one or more requests for a highbandwidth connection from the one or more mobile units, and one or moreconnection nodes.

Each of the connection nodes may comprise a communication device coupledto the communication network, a wireless transceiver configured toprovide a high bandwidth connection to one or more mobile unitswirelessly, a motorized antenna coupled to the wireless transceiver, anda processor configured to direct the antenna towards a locationidentified in location information received via the communication deviceby moving the motorized antenna. The connection nodes may be configuredto receive one or more requests for a high bandwidth connection from oneor more mobile units through the communication network.

The system may also include a location detecting device at the mobileunits. The requests from the mobile units can then include a location ofone of the mobile units as determined by their location detectingdevices. The system may also include one or more network devicesconfigured coupled to the communication network. The mobile units andthe network devices may communicate via the high bandwidth connection.

A video capture device may be at the mobile units. Video captured by thevideo capture device can then be transmitted from the mobile units tothe communication network via the high bandwidth connection. In additionor alternatively, a video display device may be at the mobile units.Video can then be transmitted from the communication network to themobile units for viewing via the high bandwidth connection.

The management device may be configured to transmit a predefined antennaposition to the one or more connection nodes when the one or more mobileunits are within one or more predefined geospaces. The connection nodesmay then target a geospace by moving their antennas to the antennaposition provided by the management device. In addition, the managementdevice may be configured to validate authentication information in therequests before providing the high bandwidth connection. It is notedthat the connection nodes may be located at one or more buildings.

Various methods for providing high bandwidth connections to one or moremobile units are disclosed herein as well. For example, in oneembodiment such a method may comprise receiving a connection request ata first communication device of a connection node, the connectionrequest including a location of a mobile unit, moving an antenna of theconnection node to point a reception pattern of the antenna towards thelocation of the mobile unit, and validating authentication informationin the request. After the authentication information is validated, ahigh bandwidth connection may be established with the mobile unitthrough a second communication device of the connection node, with thesecond communication device being a wireless transceiver coupled to theantenna.

One or more new locations of the mobile unit may also be received. Uponsuch occurrence, the antenna of the connection node may be moved topoint the reception pattern of the antenna towards the new locations ofthe mobile unit. It is noted that the connection request may be relayedto another connection node if the connection node is unavailable toserver the connection request.

The first communication device may be coupled to a communication networkcomprising one or more network devices. Data may then be transferredbetween the mobile unit and the network devices via the high bandwidthconnection.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will beor will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination ofthe following figures and detailed description. It is intended that allsuch additional systems, methods, features and advantages be includedwithin this description, be within the scope of the invention, and beprotected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasisinstead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding partsthroughout the different views.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a connection node in an exemplarynetwork environment;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating components of an exemplaryconnection node;

FIG. 3A illustrates connection nodes in operation in an exemplaryenvironment of use;

FIG. 3B illustrates connection nodes in operation in an exemplaryenvironment of use;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating connection nodes in an exemplarya peer to peer environment;

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating operation of an exemplaryconnection node;

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating selection of connection node; and

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating operation of an exemplarymanagement device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a more thorough description of the present invention.It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that thepresent invention may be practiced without these specific details. Inother instances, well-known features have not been described in detailso as not to obscure the invention.

In general, the connection node herein provides a persistent highbandwidth connection to one or more mobile units (typically one at atime). As will be described further below, the high bandwidth connectionmay be requested and thus be provided “on demand.” The connection nodetherefore can supplement any existing data connection that a mobile unitmay have. This is advantageous in that it provides capability for highspeed data transfer to or from mobile units on an as needed basis. Inaddition, where an existing data connection is unreliable, damaged, ornon-existent, the connection node can provide its high bandwidthconnection to the mobile unit.

In one exemplary usage scenario for example, a mobile unit in the formof an emergency vehicle, such as a fire truck, police cruiser, orambulance (or other vehicle used to provide emergency services), canrequest and receive a persistent high bandwidth connection to send andreceive large amounts of data at high speed. This would allow one ormore high quality video streams to be transmitted from the vehicle, bereceived by the vehicle, or both. It is noted that mobile units may alsobe personnel, such as police officers or other individuals on footpatrol or the like.

The mobile unit may comprise various equipment that may be configured tocommunicate via this high bandwidth connection. For example, a mobileunit may comprise or have one or more capture devices, such as sensors,cameras, microphones, and the like. These capture devices may generallybe used to gather data from an external source, that may then betransmitted via the high bandwidth connection. Likewise, a mobile unitmay comprise various terminals, screens, computing devices, and outputor data consumption devices for view/reviewing data received via a highbandwidth connection.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary environment of usefor a connection node 104. In FIG. 1, a network 112 is shownfacilitating communications between various network devices 128 (e.g.,servers, clients, network appliances). The network devices 128 maycommunicate via one or more communication links 132. These may bevarious wired or wireless communication links utilizing one or morecommunication protocols.

A wireless access point 124 is also shown in FIG. 1. As can be seen, thewireless access point 124 provides a wireless data connection 116 to amobile unit 120. The wireless access point 124 may have one or morecommunication links 132 with one or more networks 112. In this manner,the mobile unit 120 may communicate with various network devices 128through the wireless access point 124.

The wireless access point 124 will typically utilize traditionalwireless data communication technology. For example, the wireless accesspoint 124 may provide wireless cellular or satellite data connections.It is contemplated that the wireless access point 124 could also oralternatively utilize WiFi, but this is less likely (with respect tomobile units) due to the limited range of WiFi.

In contrast to the wireless access point 124, a connection node 104provides a high bandwidth connection 108 to the mobile unit 120. Thehigh bandwidth connection 108 allows large amounts of data to betransferred between the mobile unit 120 and a network devicecommunicating with the mobile unit. Typically, the high bandwidthconnection 108 will provide higher bandwidth capacity than the wirelessdata connection 116 to increase the data transfer capabilities at themobile unit 120.

In general, the high bandwidth connection 108 is focused on a limitednumber of mobile units 120 regardless of their location. For instance, atypical scenario may see the high bandwidth connection 108 of aconnection node 104 provisioned for a single mobile unit 120 to increasethe data transfer capabilities of that particular mobile unit. Thisfocus allows the bandwidth at the mobile unit 120 to be greatlyincreased. In addition, since the high bandwidth connection 108 may berequested and provided on demand, mobile units 120 that do not needincreased bandwidth may release the connection to allow it to be used byanother mobile unit.

In this manner, a connection node 104 may efficiently provide highbandwidth connections 108 for a population of mobile units 120 within aparticular area by providing increased bandwidth for only the mobileunit(s) 120 that need/request it. This provides the availability of highbandwidth connections without the cost and effort of greatly increasingthe bandwidth of traditional wireless data connections for all mobileunits or network end points. Further details regarding how the highbandwidth connection 108 is established will be provided below.

As stated above, the high bandwidth connection 108 is advantageous inthat it allows transfer of a large quantity of data to/from a mobileunit 120. In one exemplary embodiment, the high bandwidth connection 108may be used to transfer captured video and/or audio from a mobile unit120 to a network device 128 where the video may be viewed, recorded, orboth. In addition, the high bandwidth connection 108 may support two-wayvideo allowing personnel at a mobile unit 120 to communicate with otherpersonnel at a videophone, computer (with a camera/mic), or othernetwork device 128 via a live video feed. The personnel at a fixedlocation (e.g., dispatch center or office) can assist or advisepersonnel at a mobile unit 120 or vice versa in this manner. It iscontemplated that high quality video streams can be carried by the highbandwidth connection 108 to allow high resolution (e.g., highdefinition) images to be captured and transmitted to and from a mobileunit 120 in real time.

Other types of data may be carried as well. For example, high resolutiondigital photos, sound recordings, telemetry, sensor data, and the likemay be carried to and from a mobile unit 120 via a high bandwidthconnection 108.

In some embodiments, a management device 136 may be included to controloperation of one or more connection nodes 104. For instance, amanagement device 136 may be configured to monitor the location of oneor more mobile units 120, and the state of one or more connection nodes104. The management device 136 can then intelligently provision highbandwidth connections to mobile units based on the location of themobile units 120 and the state of one or more connection nodes 104within range of the mobile units. For example, the management device 136may select a connection node 104 that is capable and available toprovide a high bandwidth connection to the mobile unit 120 based on themobile unit's location. It is noted that a management device 136 maycomprise or be connected to a storage device for storing location andother information.

For example, the location and reception/transmission range of one ormore connection nodes 104 may be stored by the management device 136.This information can then be used to select a connection node 104 thatis capable of providing a high bandwidth connection to a mobile unit ata particular location. The management device may also monitor the stateof a connection node 104, such as to allow it to select connection nodesthat are not currently in use.

It is contemplated that a management device 136 may monitor or track thelocations of individual units 120. In one or more embodiments, a mobileunit 120 may report its location to the management device 136 fortracking purposes. Alternatively or in addition, a separate mobile unittracking system 140 may be used to track the location of mobile units120. In one or more embodiments, each mobile unit 120 may transmit itslocation to a management device 136 or mobile unit tracking system 140to allow the management device or mobile unit tracking system to monitorthe location of the mobile units. It is contemplated that this locationinformation may be transmitted periodically, when a mobile unit moves,and/or upon request by a management device or mobile unit trackingsystem.

As alluded to above, the management device 136 may work in concert withone or more mobile unit tracking systems 140 (in addition or instead ofproviding its own mobile unit location tracking). This is advantageousin that it permits the management device 136 to interface with existingtracking systems. For example, the management device 136 may obtainlocation information for particular mobile units from an existingtracking system already configured to track the location of these units.

An exemplary connection node 104 will now be described with regard toFIG. 2. It can be seen that a node may comprise one or more processors204 and data storage devices 216. In general, a processor 204 may beconfigured to control one or more components of the connection node 104to provide the functionality herein. In one or more embodiments, theprocessor 204 may execute one or more instructions to provide suchfunctionality. The instructions may be hardwired into a processor 204 insome embodiments. In other embodiments, the instructions may be in theform of machine readable code executable by the processor 204 to providethe functionality disclosed herein. The machine readable code may beretrievably stored on a storage device 216.

A data storage device 216 may also or alternatively be used to storeother data, such as data received from a mobile unit, prerecorded datafor consumption at a mobile unit (e.g., videos), and data received fromnetwork devices. In one or more embodiments, a storage device 216 may beused to record video data received from a mobile unit for instance. Itis noted that a data storage device 216 may utilize various storagetechnologies to record information. For example, a data storage device216 may be a magnetic hard drive, optical drive, or flash drive.Alternatively, a data storage device 216 may be RAM, ROM, or othermemory. It is contemplated that storage technologies, now known andlater developed may be used.

A connection node 104 may also have its own power source 220 in one ormore embodiments, as was disclosed above. The power source 220 maycomprise a battery, generator, or the like. This helps ensure that theconnection node 104 can continue to function even if an external powersource fails. It is noted however that a power source 220 is optionaland need not be included in all embodiments.

As can also be seen, the connection node 104 may include one or morecommunication devices 212 for communicating with a network 112 and thedevices that make up or are connected to the network. In general, acommunication device 212 will be used to establish a communication link132 for such communications and to transmit and receive data across thecommunication link. For example, a communication device 212 may be anetwork interface in some embodiments.

One or more transceivers 208 may be included as part of the connectionnode 104 as well. In general, a transceiver 208 will be configured toprovide a high bandwidth connection 108 to a mobile unit 120. Atransceiver 208 will typically transmit and receive data wirelessly viaa point-to-point connection. In other words, as described briefly above,the transceiver 208 will be configured to establish a high bandwidthconnection with a limited number of mobile units 120 (typically onemobile unit) at a time. This will typically be accomplished using adirectional antenna 232 to send and receive wireless data transmissionsfrom a particular mobile unit 120.

In one or more embodiments, data transfers from a mobile unit 120 may bereceived as a unicast transmission and subsequently processed formulticast transmission by a connection node 104. For example, in one ormore embodiments, a processor 204 and communication device 212 may beconfigured respectively to convert data to a multicast stream andtransmit the multicast stream to other devices. This is beneficial inthat very low latency real time video from the mobile unit 120 to betransmitted to multiple network devices or network nodes (as describedbelow). To illustrate, in one embodiment, a UDP unicast video streamfrom a mobile unit 120 may be received at the connection node 104 andconverted to a UDP multicast stream for distribution to multiple endpoints (i.e., network devices). In situations where the network devicesare connected by low bandwidth connections (e.g., cellular or satelliteconnections) the conversion to multicast allows video or other data tobe efficiently shared. This addresses a significant drawback of cellular(or similar low bandwidth connections) while allowing transmission ofvideo or other large data streams in real time. Real timevideo/information is especially advantageous to proactive videopolicing.

An antenna assembly 224 may be used to support and move the antenna 232so as to target the mobile unit 120 requesting or utilizing the highbandwidth connection 108. For example, the antenna 232 may have areceiving pattern that defines one or more areas (relative to theantenna) where the antenna's gain is greatest or is increased. Theantenna assembly 224 may be configured to move the antenna 232 to pointor direct the antenna's receiving pattern towards the location of themobile unit 120 to improve signal transmission/reception.

As can be seen, the antenna assembly 224 may comprise an antenna 232 anda motorized gimbal 228. The motorized gimbal 228 is used to position ororient the antenna 232 such that the antenna can transmit and receivedata to/from the location of a mobile unit 120. In one or moreembodiments, the motorized gimbal 228 will position the antenna 232 soas to maximize the signal strength in receiving and/or data from themobile unit 120.

The processor 204 may be configured to determine this ideal position ofthe antenna 232 based on the location of the mobile unit 120 relative tothe connection node. It is noted that the ideal position may also takethe type of antenna and/or its capabilities into account. For example adirectional antenna 232 may be pointed at the mobile unit's location,while other antennas may be positioned such that they are normal to(i.e., perpendicular to) or at another angle relative to the mobile unit120. It is contemplated that an antenna 232 may include signalenhancers, such as a parabolic or other dish for example.

It is noted that various devices may be used to position the antenna232. For example, one or more servos or other motors may be used inaddition to or instead of the motorized gimbal 228 to position theantenna 232.

The location of a mobile unit 120 may be determined in various ways. Inone embodiment, a mobile unit 120 may determine and report its locationto the connection node 104. The mobile unit 120 may utilize a GPSdevice, cellular tower triangulation, WiFi triangulation, or otherlocation detecting devices to determine its location. In addition, it iscontemplated that a “dead reckoning” capability may be built into amobile unit 120. In this manner, the mobile unit 120 can determine itslocation based on how far and in which direction it has moved. Once alocation is determined, the location may be transmitted from the mobileunit 120 to the connection node 104. For example, referring to FIG. 1, amobile unit 120 may utilize an existing data connection 116 to transmitits location to a connection node 104. It is contemplated that themobile unit 120 may also communicate requests for a high bandwidthconnection 108 to a connection node 104 via this data connection 116.

Operation of exemplary connection nodes 104 will now be described withregard to FIGS. 3A-3B. FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate a real world environmentwhere connection nodes 104 may be used to provide high bandwidthconnections 108 to mobile units 120. As shown, the connection nodes 104are mounted at various buildings 308, though it is noted that aconnection node may be mounted to a variety of structures, such astraffic lights, street lights, billboards, towers, and the like. In someembodiments, it may be desirable to locate at least the antenna assemblyof a connection node 104 on an exterior wall or other structure so as toreduce the number of obstructions between the antenna assembly and amobile unit 120. It is contemplated that the antenna assembly may beremote from the remainder of the connection node 104 in someembodiments. For instance, the antenna assembly may be on the exteriorof a building 308 (or other structure) and connected to the remainder ofthe connection node 104 inside the building via one or more cables orthe like.

As can be seen, the mobile units 120 are land-based vehicles in theexamples of FIGS. 3A-3B. It is noted that the connection node 104 mayprovide high bandwidth connections to aerial as well as marine vehiclesin the manner disclosed herein. FIG. 3A shows the mobile units 120 atfirst positions, while FIG. 3B shows the mobile units having moved tosecond positions. FIGS. 3A-3B also show the corresponding activity bythe connection nodes 104 used in providing uninterrupted high bandwidthconnections to the mobile units 120 even as they move.

Referring now to FIG. 3A, it can be seen that a first mobile unit 120Ais moving along a first road 312. The connection node 104A is targetingthe first mobile unit 120A with its antenna (as shown by the arrowextending therefrom) thus providing a high bandwidth connection 108 tothe mobile unit 120A. Previously, the first mobile unit 120A may haverequested the high bandwidth connection 108 by transmitting its locationto the connection node 104A, as discussed above. This would cause theconnection node 104A to point or target its antenna to provide a highbandwidth connection 108 to the mobile unit 120A, as shown in FIG. 3A. Asecond mobile unit 120B is on a second road 304 illustrated in FIGS.3A-3B. As can be seen, the second mobile unit 120B has not requested ahigh bandwidth connection 108 and no connection node 104 is targetingthe second mobile unit 120B.

Referring to FIG. 3B, it can be seen that the first mobile unit 120A hasmoved through the intersection of the first and second road 312, 304 anddown the second road. As the first mobile unit 120A has moved, theconnection node 104A continuously tracks it location and targets thefirst mobile unit by moving its antenna accordingly. In one or moreembodiments, this tracking may occur by a mobile unit 104 providinglocation information as the mobile unit changes location. For example, amobile unit 120 may continuously or periodically transmit its locationto a connection node 104 once a high bandwidth connection isestablished. The mobile unit 120 could also or alternatively transmitits location to the connection node 104 whenever its GPS or otherlocation detecting device senses a new location for the mobile unit. Asstated above, the transmission of location information may occur via anexisting data connection. Once a high bandwidth connection 108 is made,location information could also or alternatively be transmitted via thehigh bandwidth connection.

Since a connection node 104 may specifically target a mobile unit 120when providing a high bandwidth connection 108, it is noted that anindividual connection node may have a large range within which a highbandwidth connection can be established. In some embodiments, aplurality of connection nodes 104 may be linked together to extend therange of a high bandwidth connection. For example, as a mobile unit 120reaches the extent of one connection node's range, a second connectionnode 104 (that is preferably closer to the mobile unit) may target themobile unit 120 to provide a continuous high bandwidth connection.

A protocol by which a high bandwidth connection 108 is transferred fromone connection node 104 to another may be defined. For example, a firstconnection node 104 may query one or more stored records identifying thelocation of other connection nodes and select another connection nodebased on that connection node's location relative to the mobile unit 120and/or that connection node's range. A high bandwidth connection 108 maythen be established between the selected connection node 104 and themobile unit 120, thus transferring the connection from one connectionnode to another.

FIG. 3B also illustrates provisioning of a high bandwidth connection108. As can be seen, the second mobile unit 120B now has a highbandwidth connection via connection node 104B. Prior to providing a highbandwidth connection, the connection node's antenna may have been at adefault position or simply at the last position at which it was placed,such as shown by the arrow extending from the connection node 104B inFIG. 3A. In FIG. 3B, the mobile unit 120B has reached a parking lot 316where it now needs a high bandwidth connection 108. As can be seen, theconnection node 104B has positioned its antenna to provide such aconnection to the mobile unit 104B.

A protocol for selecting a particular connection node 104 to provide ahigh bandwidth connection may be defined in one or more embodiments.Typically, this will occur in configurations comprising a plurality ofconnection nodes 104. In one embodiment, such protocol may causeindividual connection nodes 104 to relay requests for high bandwidthconnections to other connection nodes. An ideal connection node may thenbe selected to establish a high bandwidth connection with the mobileunit. An ideal connection node may be identified based on distance fromthe mobile unit, its communication range, or both. In some embodiments,the closest connection node 104 may be selected for example. If themobile unit 120 should reach the extent of a connection node's range,the high bandwidth connection may be transferred to another connectionnode, such as described above.

As disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011/0013018, which isincorporated herein by reference, an ideal node may be selected based onother factors as well. For example, a connection node 104 may beselected, at least in part, based on its “view” of a mobile unit 120.For example, a different connection node 104 may be selected if there isan obstruction, such as a building or other structure, between theclosest connection node and the mobile unit 120. As described in theabove-referenced patent publication, a viewable area (i.e., unobstructedarea) may be defined for a node and used to select particular nodesbased on what areas are viewable to each node. Regarding the connectionnode 104, it is contemplated that a viewable area may be defined foreach connection node. For example, a mapping defining geographiccoordinates (i.e., serviceable areas) where a connection node canprovide its high bandwidth connection may be provided. This mapping maythen be used in selecting an ideal connection node 104 to provide a highbandwidth connection to a mobile unit 120. It is contemplated that themapping may take altitude or elevation into account to service bothland-based and aerial vehicles.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating connection nodes 104 in a peer topeer environment. It is contemplated that a connection node 104 will becapable of functioning independently in an interconnected system ofnetwork nodes and/or network devices, such as shown. A connection node104 may be configured to operate independent of other devices in avariety of ways. For example, a connection node 104 may have its ownpower source that is used to power the node or as a backup in case itsprimary power source is no longer available or is insufficient.

In addition, as disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0289788,which is incorporated herein by reference, a node may utilize akey-based authentication scheme to permit or deny access to the node,should one or more authentication devices, such as server nodes, becomeunavailable.

For instance, the connection node 104 may be configured to restrictaccess to its services so that only authorized mobile units are provideda high bandwidth connection 108. In one or more embodiments, theconnection node 104 may be configured to provide access upon receiving avalid authorization token from a mobile unit that is requesting the highbandwidth connection.

As detailed in the above-referenced patent publication, theauthorization token may be generated by a server or server node andprovided to the mobile unit. The mobile unit may then request a highbandwidth connection 108 from a connection node 104 using theauthentication token, regardless of whether or not the server or servernode that provided the authentication token is operational. A servernode may be configured to provide an authentication token to a mobileunit when presented with a valid username and password combination orother valid identification information.

It is noted that an authentication token may also be shared by aconnection node 104 with other network devices or nodes 404 to authorizedata transfer between the connection node and these other networkdevices or nodes. For example, one or more of the nodes 404 in FIG. 4may be content storage nodes or server nodes configured respectively tostore and analyze incoming data (such as video) from a mobile unit. Oneor more of the nodes 404 may be viewing nodes configured to present datato an operator or other personnel via a display screen, speaker, and/orother output device. A connection node 104 may authenticate itself withone or more of these nodes 404 and subsequently transmit and/or receivedata to/from these nodes. In this manner, data streams can betransmitted from a mobile unit to a connection node 104 where it can beshared with other nodes 404 in a peer to peer system.

Since each node 404, including the connection nodes 104, can beconfigured to operate independently, the individual nodes remain fullyfunctional and accessible even if one or more other nodes are damaged,destroyed, or are otherwise inoperable. This is highly advantageous insurveillance and in situations involving the health and/or safety ofindividuals, as disclosed in the above-referenced patent publication.

In addition to or instead of an authentication token, it is contemplatedthat a connection node 104 may be configured to accept and verify ausername and password or other valid identification information prior toprovisioning a high bandwidth connection to a mobile unit.

Operation of an exemplary connection node will now be described withregard to FIG. 5. At a step 504 the location of a mobile unit may bereceived by a connection node. The location information may be in theform of coordinates in one or more embodiments, such as a longitude andlatitude. An altitude and/or compass heading may be included as well.This allows the connection node to properly pinpoint and target themobile unit. As disclosed above, the location information may begenerated by one or more location detecting devices at a mobile unit,such as a GPS device, signal triangulation device, altimeter, compass,or various combinations thereof.

The location information may be transmitted in or along with a requestfor a high bandwidth connection. Such request may include authenticationinformation so that the connection node may verify that a mobile unit ispermitted to use the connection node's high bandwidth connection. Forexample, a username/password combination or other identificationinformation may be part of a request. In addition or alternatively, amobile device may transmit its authentication token to validate itsrequest for a high bandwidth connection.

It is contemplated that the authentication information (or otheridentification information) may be used to uniquely identify a mobileunit 120. In this manner, if the mobile unit's location is already beingtracked, such as by a management device and/or mobile unit trackingsystem, a request for a high bandwidth connection need not include thelocation of the mobile unit 120.

At a step 508, the connection node may position its antenna to targetthe location specified in the location information. As stated above,this helps to increase or maximize the signal strength between themobile unit and the connection node. In one or more embodiments,positioning of the antenna involves moving the antenna with one or moremotors of the connection node's antenna assembly. Once properlypositioned, a high bandwidth connection with the mobile unit may beestablished at a step 512 by communicating with the mobile unit via theconnection node's transceiver.

At a step 516, data transfer may occur through the high bandwidthconnection. As disclosed above, some exemplary types of data that may beshared via the high bandwidth connection include, video, audio, photos,prerecorded data files, and sensor telemetry. It is noted that highspeed data transfer may occur in a two-way fashion, as also disclosedabove.

As shown by step 520 in FIG. 5, additional location information may bereceived by the connection node after a high bandwidth connection hasbeen established. At a decision step 524, it may be determined if thenew location information indicates that the connection node's antennashould be repositioned. For example, if the location information showsthe mobile unit has moved, the connection node may reposition itsantenna accordingly at a step 528. Data transfer continues seamlesslyduring and after this repositioning, such as shown at a step 532. If norepositioning is desired or necessary, data transfer can continue atstep 532 as well.

It is contemplated that other events may trigger a repositioning of theantenna. For example, if a decrease of signal strength beyond apredefined threshold is detected, the connection node may reposition itsantenna in response. Alternatively or in addition, a loss in signalstrength may cause the connection node to request new locationinformation from the mobile unit. This new location information can thenbe used to reposition the antenna, such as disclosed above.

At a decision step 536, if the high speed connection is no longer needed(i.e., the data transfer(s) are complete), the connection may be endedat a step 540. This frees the connection node to service other mobileunits. It is noted that various mobile units may be assigned a priorityor specify a priority in their requests for a high bandwidth connection.In such embodiments, a mobile unit having or requesting high bandwidthconnection may cause existing lower priority connections to be ended infavor of the higher priority request. For example, an emergency vehiclemay be given priority over a surveillance vehicle or other vehicle. Inaddition or alternatively, an emergency vehicle in an emergencysituation may make a higher priority request to help ensure a highbandwidth connection is provided.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating the process by which a connectionnode can be selected for the purpose of providing a high bandwidthconnection to a particular mobile unit. Typically, this functionalitywill be implemented in systems having multiple connection nodes toidentify an ideal connection node through which a high bandwidthconnection may be provided. In such systems, a request for a highbandwidth connection may be received at various connection nodes andrelayed to other connection nodes for provisioning of a high bandwidthconnection. In addition, it is noted that other nodes or network devicescould be configured to receive a request and relay the request to one ormore connection nodes for provisioning.

At a step 604, a request for a high bandwidth connection may be receivedat a connection node. If, at a decision step 608, the connection node isunable to service the request, the request may be forwarded to anotherconnection node at a step 612. It is contemplated that the request maybe forwarded to all other connection nodes or particular node(s) basedon their location and/or obstruction mapping (i.e., ability to provide ahigh bandwidth connection to the mobile unit). The process may thenreturn to step 604, to await additional requests.

Generally, determination of whether or not a connection node is able toservice a request is based on the location of the mobile unit making therequest. For example, if the mobile unit is within range of theconnection node's antenna, the request for a high bandwidth connectioncan be serviced by that connection node. In embodiments utilizing ageographic mapping of serviceable areas, the request may be deemedserviceable if the mobile unit is within a serviceable area as definedin the mapping.

If, at decision step 608, the connection node is able to service therequest, it may be determined at a decision step 612 if the connectionnode is currently in use by another mobile unit. If not, a highbandwidth connection may be provided to the mobile unit at a step 624,such as by targeting the antenna to the mobile unit and establishing theconnection (as described above).

If the connection node is in use, the priority of the request may becompared to the priority of the currently established connection at adecision step 620. If the request has a higher priority, the currentconnection may be ended and a new high bandwidth connection can beestablished at step 624 in response to the higher priority request. Ifthe request does not have a higher priority, the request may beforwarded to one or more other connection nodes at step 612. It is notedthat in some embodiments the notion of priority may not be implementedand, as such, a connection node may simply forward all new requests ifit is currently in use.

It is contemplated that in some situations more than one connection nodemay be able to provide a high bandwidth connection to a particularmobile unit at a particular time. In such cases, the mobile unit maydetermine which of the connection nodes to use. Such determination maybe made randomly or based on various criteria. For example, theconnection node having a higher signal strength may be selected by themobile unit. If a high bandwidth connection is not accepted orexplicitly refused by a mobile unit within a predefined period of time,a connection node may be configured to deem itself not in use and thusavailable to service other requests.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating operation of an exemplarymanagement device. As will now be described, in embodiments where amanagement device is provided, the management device may receiverequests for high bandwidth connections and dictate the response to suchrequests.

At a step 704, a request for a high bandwidth connection may bereceived. Authentication information may be included in the request toidentify the mobile unit requesting the high bandwidth connection. Themanagement device may verify the authentication information to ensurethat the high bandwidth connection is provided only to mobile unitspermitted to have the high bandwidth connection.

The location of the mobile unit requesting the high bandwidth connectionmay be identified or determined at a step 708. In general, themanagement device will monitor the locations of mobile units associatedto it. As such, the location of the mobile unit may be queried at step708 from a storage device of the management device using identificationinformation gleaned from the request for the high bandwidth connection.

At a decision step 712, it may be determined if the location of themobile device is within one or more predefined geographic spaces, orgeospaces. The concept of a geospace is defined in U.S. PatentPublication No. 2011/0013018, which is incorporated herein by reference.In general, a geospace is a physical area that may be defined by a useroperator, or other personnel using or configuring the management device.

With regard to the connection nodes disclosed herein, geospaces may bestored on a storage device associated with a predefined antenna positionfor one or more connection nodes. Typically, the predefined antennaposition is such that an antenna at that position will be able toprovide a high bandwidth connection at any location within the geospace.This includes taking any obstructions into account.

If the mobile unit is within a geospace at decision step 712, aconnection node previously associated with that geospace may beidentified by the management device at a step 716. The antenna of theconnection node may then be moved to the predefined antenna positionassociated with the geospace at a step 720. The management device maytransmit the antenna position to the connection node, or transmit one ormore instructions to position the antenna at this position to theconnection node to accomplish this. The connection node would then beready to provide a high bandwidth connection to the mobile unit (or anymobile unit within the geospace), such as shown at a step 732.

It is noted that multiple connection nodes may be associated with ageospace. Each associated connection node may have its own predefinedantenna position configured to allow the connection node to service thatgeospace.

One benefit of predefined geospaces is that connection nodes can bespecifically configured to service particular physical areas. Forexample, certain connection nodes may have faster connections to aparticular network device or network node. As such, these connectionnodes may be more desirable in certain situations. Using predefinedgeospaces, such connection nodes may be tasked to provide high bandwidthconnections requested from certain geospaces.

If the mobile unit is not within a geospace, the management device mayattempt to identify a connection node that is capable of providing ahigh bandwidth connection to the mobile unit at a step 724. This mayoccur by the management device querying its records for a connectionnode that is within range of the mobile unit. Once such a connectionnode is identified, its antenna may be targeted at the mobile unit at astep 728. A high bandwidth connection may then be established at step732. In this manner, a management device can service requests for highbandwidth connections even when no geospace covers a mobile unit'scurrent location. It is noted that the management device may determinethe antenna position, or the connection node may do so at step 728, suchas disclosed above.

Once a high bandwidth connection has been established, data transferto/from the mobile unit can begin at a step 720. At a decision step 740,the management device may determine if the mobile unit has moved. Ifnot, the data transfer may continue at a step 748, until it is completeas determined at a step 752. The high bandwidth connection may be endedor terminated at a step 756 once data transfer is complete.

If the mobile unit has moved, the management device may proceed back todecision step 712, where either a predefined or determined antennaposition may be used to continue the high bandwidth connection dependingon whether or not the mobile unit is still within a geospace.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it willbe apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many moreembodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scopeof this invention. In addition, the various features, elements, andembodiments described herein may be claimed or combined in anycombination or arrangement.

What is claimed is:
 1. A connection node comprising: a communicationdevice configured to receive from a mobile unit a request for a highbandwidth connection, the request including location informationidentifying a location of the mobile unit; a transceiver configured toprovide the high bandwidth connection to the mobile unit wirelessly; anantenna having a receiving pattern, the antenna coupled to thetransceiver; a motorized mount configured to move the antenna; and aprocessor configured to: determine, based on the location informationidentifying the location of the mobile unit, whether or not theconnection node is able to service the request for a high bandwidthconnection; if the connection node is able to service the request,control the motorized mount to move the antenna such that the receivingpattern is directed towards the location of the mobile unit; andotherwise if the connection node is not able to service the request,select a second connection node from multiple connection nodes, based ona mapping that defines geographic coordinates where each of the multipleconnection nodes can provide its high bandwidth connection; and forwardthe request to the selected second connection node.
 2. The connectionnode of claim 1, wherein the one or more requests include authenticationinformation and the high bandwidth connection is provided only uponreceipt of valid authentication information.
 3. The connection node ofclaim 1, wherein the transceiver establishes the high bandwidthconnection with the mobile unit once the receiving pattern is directedtoward the location of the mobile unit.
 4. The connection node of claim1, wherein the communication device is further configured to receivelocation updates identifying one or more new locations of the mobileunit, and wherein the processor is further configured to control themotorized mount such that the receiving pattern is directed towards theone or more new locations of the mobile unit.
 5. The connection node ofclaim 1, wherein the communication device is a wireless communicationdevice communicates via a cellular or satellite network.
 6. Theconnection node of claim 1, wherein the antenna is a directionalantenna.
 7. A system for providing high bandwidth connectionscomprising: a management device configured to track a location of one ormore mobile units and to receive one or more requests for a highbandwidth connection from the one or more mobile units; one or moreconnection nodes in communication with the management device, each ofthe one or more connection nodes comprising: a communication device thatis coupled to a communication network and that is configured to receivefrom a mobile unit a request for a high bandwidth connection, therequest including location information identifying a location of themobile unit; a wireless transceiver configured to provide a highbandwidth connection to the one or more mobile units wirelessly; amotorized antenna having a receiving pattern, the antenna coupled to thewireless transceiver; and a processor configured to: determine, based onthe location information identifying the location of the mobile unit,whether or not the connection node is able to service the request for ahigh bandwidth connection; if the connection node is able to service therequest, direct the motorized antenna towards the location of the mobileunit by positioning the motorized antenna such that the receivingpattern is directed towards the location of the mobile unit; andotherwise if the connection node is not able to service the request,select a second connection node from multiple connection nodes, based ona mapping that defines geographic coordinates where each of the multipleconnection nodes can provide its high bandwidth connection; and forward,based on a location of a second connection node, the request to thesecond connection node; wherein the motorized antenna is moved inresponse to the one or more requests.
 8. The system of claim 7 furthercomprising a location detecting device at the one or more mobile units,wherein the one or more requests from the one or more mobile unitsinclude a location of one of the one or more mobile units.
 9. The systemof claim 7 further comprising one or more network devices configuredcoupled to the communication network, wherein the one or more mobileunits and the one or more network devices communicate via the highbandwidth connection.
 10. The system of claim 7 further comprising avideo capture device at the one or more mobile units, wherein videocaptured by the video capture device is transmitted from the one or moremobile units to the communication network via the high bandwidthconnection.
 11. The system of claim 7 further comprising a video displaydevice at the one or more mobile units, wherein video is transmittedfrom the communication network to the one or more mobile units via thehigh bandwidth connection for viewing on the video display device. 12.The system of claim 7, wherein the management device is configured totransmit a predefined antenna position to the one or more connectionnodes when the one or more mobile units are within one or morepredefined geospaces.
 13. A method for providing high bandwidthconnections to one or more mobile units comprising: receiving from amobile unit a connection request at a first communication device of aconnection node, the connection request including a location of themobile unit; determining, based on the location information identifyingthe location of the mobile unit, whether or not the connection node isable to service the request for a high bandwidth connection; if theconnection node is able to service the connection request, moving anantenna of the connection node to point a reception pattern of theantenna towards the location of the mobile unit; validatingauthentication information in the request; and after the authenticationinformation is validated, establishing a high bandwidth connection withthe mobile unit through a second communication device of the connectionnode, the second communication device being a wireless transceivercoupled to the antenna; and if the connection node is not able toservice the connection request, selecting a second connection node frommultiple connection nodes, based on a mapping that defines geographiccoordinates where each of the multiple connection nodes can provide itshigh bandwidth connection; and forwarding the request to the selectedsecond connection node.
 14. The method of claim 7 further comprisingcoupling the first communication device to a communication network, thecommunication network comprising one or more network devices.
 15. Themethod of claim 14 further comprising transferring data between themobile unit and the one or more network devices via the high bandwidthconnection.
 16. The connection node of claim 1, wherein the processor isfurther configured to: in response to a loss in signal strength, requestnew location information from the mobile unit; and reposition theantenna based on new location information received from the mobile unit.17. The connection node of claim 1, wherein the processor is furtherconfigured to determine if the connection node is able to service therequest for a high bandwidth connection by determining if the mobileunit is within range of the antenna.
 18. The connection node of claim 1,wherein the request includes a priority, and wherein the processor isfurther configured to: determine if the connection node is able toservice the request for a high bandwidth connection by determining ifthe priority in the request is higher than a priority associated with acurrently established connection; and if the priority in the request ishigher than the priority associated with the currently establishedconnection, ending the currently established connection, otherwiseforwarding the request to another connection node.
 19. The connectionnode of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to: selectthe second connection node from multiple connection nodes, based on aviewable area defined for each node, wherein the viewable area is anunobstructed area in which the node can provide its high bandwidthconnection.
 20. The connection node of claim 1, wherein the processor isfurther configured to: query stored records identifying locations ofmultiple other connection nodes; select one of the multiple otherconnection nodes based on the location of the selected node relative tothe location of the mobile unit; and transfer the high bandwidthconnection to the selected connection node upon establishing a highbandwidth connection between the selected connection node and the mobileunit.